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Friday, July 2, 2010

Strawberry Lemonade

My first time attempting to make strawberry lemonade was last summer, I believe. It didn't turn out so well. I tried mixing all of the predicted ingredients- lemon juice, water, sugar and strawberries. But it was gross.
The sugar didn't dissolve.
The strawberries were diced and floating in the juice- adding no flavor to the drink, just looking gross.
I hadn't used a recipe because I figured that something SO self explanitory as strawberry lemonade SHOULDN'T need a recipe. Boy was I wrong! It's funny how some of the simplest, tastiest food and drink do need a recipe.

(The picture does not do it justice, at all)

This year I was determined to try again. Hubby and I had a ton of strawberries from the produce store and lemons like nobody's business from his parents.
This time I armed myself with a recipe. I don't remember where I found it since I looked through a bunch of them- but either way I came up with a recipe of my own in the end. :)
This time the lemonade was tart yet sweet. Everything I want in lemonade. The strawberries imparted their flavor and gave the lemonade a little extra thickness that I really enjoyed. (You can strain the seeds if you don't want extra thickness) Anyway- hope you enjoy this delicious summertime beverage!

Combine 1 c. of the sugar and 1 c. of the water in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let mixture come to room temperature.
Puree the remaining berries with the remaining sugar and 1 c. of the water until smooth. (At this point you can strain the mixture if you desire)
In a pitcher combine the simple syrup (water and sugar), strawberry puree and the remaining 2 c. of water. Stir and refrigerate until it's chilled and you're thirsty! Enjoy!